2026 Ones To Watch - Rising Stars: Jeremy Kozin, Fried Frank

 

“Jeremy is a well-rounded land use attorney who provides excellent client service. His experience advocating before City and State agencies for some of the biggest developments in NYC, including New York Presbyterian Hospital, JPMorgan Chase’s Park Ave. campus, and the Penn District, has gained him trust and respect in the industry. He is truly a rising star in NYC real estate.” 

What inspired you to pursue a career in your industry, and what path brought you to your current role?

I have long been interested in studying cities, how they grow, evolve, and are influenced by public policy, economic forces, and community priorities. I was always into maps and geography and over time that interest deepened into a broader engagement with planning, politics, and the built environment. In college and law school, I gravitated toward environmental law and policy. That, combined with my love of New York, led me to practice zoning and land use in the private sector and being able to work with amazing practitioners at Fried Frank and work on significant skyline altering projects.

Who has been a mentor or influential figure in your career, and what is the most valuable advice they have shared with you?

My father, a physician, has had a significant influence on my career. While I would not say he ever offered formal career advice, he set an example through his work. From watching him, I internalized the importance of responsiveness, attention to detail, and a genuine sense of responsibility to go above and beyond for the people you serve. Those lessons have translated directly into my career. While law and medicine are very different professions, both are service-oriented, requiring trust, judgment, and client focus – all things I personally view as essential elements of my career.

What trends or opportunities do you see shaping the future of your industry?

I think the defining trend in the industry today is the urgent effort to address the City’s housing supply shortage. State and City elected officials recognize the scale of this issue and the real harm that could occur if unaddressed properly. Steps have been taken to reduce regulatory barriers, such as streamlining entitlement approval processes, but long-term success will depend on ensuring that housing development remains a viable enterprise. The opportunity is significant, but policymakers must continue balancing public goals with the practical and economic realities facing the industry.